EASL facilitates dialogue with Authorities for early resolution of long outstanding VAT refunds to Exporters
The Exporters Association of Sri Lanka (EASL) conducted a very productive meeting, where a large number of member exporters met with several key officials from the Department of Inland Revenue to discuss the delay in obtaining VAT refunds. The meeting was arranged by EASL on 27th October 2009 following the several representations and communications by EASL to the Authorities regarding the long overdue VAT refunds.
Having sent the outstanding VAT refund details collected from the members, prior to the meeting, to the relevant Officials, enabled them to come prepared to clarify the outstanding issues and work towards expediting the refunds. The direct discussions Members had with the Authorities gave both parties the opportunity to voice their concerns and for the Officials to, from their side, explain the issues they faced in processing these refunds. The outcome was an extremely useful and productive interaction, resulting in many of the issues being resolved and the Export Companies can now look forward to early settlement of their dues. Senior Officers from the Inland Revenue, who participated, were Mrs.Mallika Samarasekara - Deputy Commissioner General - Inland Revenue, Mr. W M W Kumarasiri - Commissioner - VAT Refunds, Mr.Ranjani Silva - Deputy Commissioner - VAT Refunds, Mr.J.A.A.Parakrama - Deputy Commissioner VAT Refunds, Mr.M L M Thahir - Deputy Commissioner - VAT Refunds, Mr. M.K H Karunaratne - Assessor and Mr. E K N Edirisinghe - Assessor. This meeting was spearheaded by the EASL Chairperson Mrs.Nirmali Samaratunga and was conducted by EASL Vice Chairman, Mr.Lasantha Wickremasekera. Members of the EASL Managing Committee were also present at this meeting in addition to a large section of exporters from the membership.
EASL plans to conduct a follow up Seminar to this very useful initial discussion in an effort to proactively bring about a solution to the long outstanding matter of outstanding VAT refunds due to Exporters, and are confident, through a very cordial and productive dialogue; this could be achieved at an early date